The Running of the Leprechauns was the original idea of Mike Kelly and hosted at Kelly's Restaurant & Tavern, every St. Paddy's Day weekend since 2008. This fun, green and grand race Started and Finished on site at Kelly's Restaurant. All Finishers earned medals and enjoyed Irish Stew and Guinness beer at Mike's restaurant while sharing their running triumphs with their friends.

2016 was the final year for Kelly to host this fun 5K/10K race. With the decision made to close the restaurant in 2017, Kelly will pass the Leprechaun race baton to the event staff at Outer Banks Sporting Events.

OBSE is thrilled to carry on Kelly's traditional race. Sustaining the Irish theme, runner food and beer, OBSE will create a new race route and include the new “Get Lucky!” costume contest! Creativity counts in this wearin o' the green contest!

Make your friends green with envy! Get a green shirt, Finish medal, Irish Stew and Guinness at the post-race party! The podium awaits the first male and first female finishers of each distance.